TWO Eurobodalla representative teams last week took part in the Southern Hemisphere's biggest soccer youth tournament, the Kanga Cup in Canberra, and emerged with their honour intact.
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The under 12 girls' side, coached by Len Clarke and Craig Duncan, were competitive in each of their five games and two of their players, Bay Strikers' Megan Roberts and Moruya's Katelin Peucker, were equal runners-up in the player of the tournament award for their division.
Their first game was a 1-nil loss to Canberra side Majura Wildcats and it featured good performances from Jess Overend, Megan, Deeza Scarlet and Keryn McClelland.
The girls took on the Dubbo Devils in their next game, and despite playing well lost 1-nil.
They then enjoyed a 1-nil victory against Tuggeranong, with good showings again from Megan, Keryn and Deeza. Keryn was carried off the field after being studded in the ankle but returned to help her teammates.
The girls then lost to Woden 1-nil despite great defence from Jess Overend and a great effort from Deeza Scarlet in goals in the second half. Katelin Peucker played well in the midfield.
The team played their final game against Dubbo Devils in the play-offs. When 1-nil down, Paige Brigden-Cather scored the equaliser. Kristy Rixon, who played in the forwards instead of her usual centre back, scored a goal to put the girls 2-1 in front, but during injury time Dubbo equalised to send the match into extra time. The Devils then scored after a quick throw-in and Eurobodalla couldn't equalise.
Megan Roberts, who ironically was born in Dubbo, enjoyed the experience of the tournament.
"It was really good, heaps of fun," she said.
The under 12 boys' side were in a difficult 19-team pool and found the going tougher.
They started with a 6-nil loss to Sydney United, followed by a 7-l loss to Belconnen North in which Alex O'Connell kicked a goal for Eurobodalla.
Victorian side Cobram then beat the boys 2-nil in the next game, but Eurobodalla then held Belconnen West to a 1-all draw, courtesy of another Alex O'Connell goal.
Majura were their next opponents, and beat them 2-nil.
Eurobodalla's final game was a commendable 2-nil loss to Fairfield Patrician Brothers, who actually beat Sydney United.
Coach Matt Gowen said his side would be better for the experience.
"I thought they played some excellent soccer, even if they have a lot to improve on," he said.
"They showed some excellent skills and matched the opposition in parts."
